Nottingham-based Financial Planner Wren Sterling has expanded into Northern Ireland with the acquisition of Ralston Bennett Financial Planning and Aspects Financial.

The firm has also expanded its presence in the north west with the acquisition of St Helens-based Callisto Wealth, which will become part of Wren Sterling’s north-west hub in Wilmslow.

Callisto Wealth was founded by Chartered Financial Planner Andrew Platt in 1993. Mr Platt will join the Wren Sterling team.

The three acquisitions add around 2,000 clients and £400m of assets to Wren.

Ralston Bennett Financial Planning is based in Holywood in Northern Ireland.

Aspects Financial is a Newtownards-based appointed representative of Ralston Bennett.

Between them the firms have seven financial advisers and serve private and corporate clients across Northern Ireland.

Wren Sterling said 2023 is expected to be a key year for its acquisition strategy with several more deals expected this year.

James Twining, CEO of Wren Sterling, said: “Our move into Northern Ireland is strategically very important for us. We already have clients in Northern Ireland who will be better served by a local adviser, and we see real opportunity to grow in what is a large and attractive market.

“We intend to support our new Northern Ireland management team through further acquisitions, while enabling them to grow organically through the strategic change programme we’re executing elsewhere in Wren Sterling. This will simplify our operations and reduce client charges through a preferred platform strategy, alongside a refreshed proposition and brand.”

Wren Sterling has already completed two acquisitions this year.

The fast-expanding Nottingham-based Financial Planner acquired Active Wealth Management and HB&O Financial Services in March, adding 860 clients and £330m in assets.

Active Wealth Management Limited will join Wren Sterling’s Glasgow office while HB&O Financial Services, based in Leamington Spa, will further expand Wren Sterling’s presence in the West Midlands.